A tale of two Austerities

[Kevan]

It seems both Kingscale


and Maxitrack

are offering more or less ready to run Austerity saddle tanks in 5” Gauge. This is certainly a locomotive I have a lot of affinity with having learned to fire on a real one at Bo’ness,

I am very tempted to buy one but which is going to be better? Does anyone have experience of ready to run locos from either of these suppliers?

Thanks

[smallbrother]

Just what I was wondering too.

Pete.

[Deleted]

Maxitrak locos seem to have a good reputation for running, Kingscale not so much but with a little work seem to run well. As this is a simpler design to most designs perhaps there are no issues with Kingscale for this particular loco?
Being someone where scale is paramount if I was chosing between the two it would have to be the Kingscale and if there are any issues I would sort them.
The Maxitrak looks to much like a toy to me. I guess it comes down to what you are happy with.

Having no experience with either I have just tried to judge the two from my own preferences, good luck wirh your choice.

Regards

Pete

[mbrown]

Maxitrack seem to have captured the contours of the cab better.

Malcolm

[manofkent]

On the Kingscale photo what is the purpose of all the "gear" under the front buffer beam? There is nothing like it on the Maxitrack version.

John

[John Baguley]

I would guess that it's the cylinder drain cocks and the drive to the mechanical lubricator.

John

[92220]

I pulled the photo into one of my painting programs, and doubled it's size, to see the detail. John (manofkent) is right. The gear under the front of the Kingscale loco is the cylinder cock gear.

Bob.

EDIT:  I've just had another look at the Kingscale photo. There is another lever that goes upwards at the front, and back towards the rear. I am guessing that one operates the lubricator.

Bob.

[johnd]

There seems to be quite a difference between locos at the smokebox doors.

[coniston]

Have a look on YouTube, there are videos of both running, maybe that will help you make a decision?

Chris

[Kevan]

Ok I pressed the button on the Kingscale version. I like the higher level of detail and the clincher is one of the liveries offered is Wymess Private Railway 15, one of the Andrew Barclay built austerities. It was also one I was quite familiar with when it was in Muir’s scrap yard the sort of Scottish equivalent of Barry for industrial locomotives.

This was around 1972. The locomotive survives and is currently being overhauled including significant boiler repairs.

So I will get the loco in January and doubtless let you all know how I get on😃

[dscott]

Oh the Battle between Hornby and Bachman continues...
Sorry wrong scale.
For entertainment we watch Sams Trains on You Tube and the 2 producers do have differences.

Personally I contacted Maxitrax over parts supplied to a previous order and didn't get a happy response. Similar to the one from Reeves over the Correct Wheels being supplied to various models.

Yes our mouse would have hovered over Kingscale.

David and Lily.

[smallbrother]

The Kingscale weighs in at 44 kg compared with 36 kg for the Maxitrak, and is an inch or so longer and taller.

The Maxitrak will negotiate 8' radius curves though so could be good on a small garden railway.

While they may not run as well as the best of the scratch built engines, they are a good way to get running for a reasonable amount of cash outlay.

Pete.

[andrewtoplis]

How can one be so much lighter? Are they not the same, or very similar, sizes?

[smallbrother]

Nov 4, 2021 20:51:43 GMT andrewtoplis said:

How can one be so much lighter? Are they not the same, or very similar, sizes?

They are within an inch or so, therefore they are much the same dimensions.

A bit of a surprise when you come to lift them though!

Maybe someone will get the two together some time and see how they compare. If our club had a more extensive raised track I would certainly be interested in one or other.

Pete.

[JonL]

What a charming locomotive. Certainly among my favourite of the industrial locomotives. Do they offer a "St. Trinians Train Robbery" livery?

I'm suprised the Maxitrak is fitted with a displacement lubricator as standard. I assumed that was the preserve of the smaller scales, but I don't know much about 5" gauge.

[andrewtoplis]

A St Trinian's version complete with wooden tanks to make it look a bit different?

I confess if I was in the market for one of these I'd find the extra £500 for a jinty instead, much more visually appealing to my eyes

[dscott]

Nov 4, 2021 22:36:59 GMT andrewtoplis said:

A St Trinian's version complete with wooden tanks to make it look a bit different?

I confess if I was in the market for one of these I'd find the extra £500 for a jinty instead, much more visually appealing to my eyes

When a part built Jinty came up for sale we went and collected...
3 owners and the first did a superb job. BUT WITH THE WRONG WHEELS REEVES.
They supply the same for their Speedy.
They fit an LB&SCR E1

Blackgates supply the right wheels.

David and Lily.

[JonL]

I've never quite clicked with the Jinty. Either way I'm sure it will make a fine model.

[JonL]

I see in the latest model engineer magazine Polly are advertising their new Atlas Locomotive. Obviously a freelance it still has the proportions of the Austerity saddle tank. I rather like it, but I don't like it to the extent of the £7000 price tag.

[chris vine]

Hi Kevan,

I am sure there are pros and cons to both locomotives.
However, I think the most important thing is the quality of the parts and the aftersales service.

If you can get any opinions on the way the two companies treat their customers, I would tend to pay quite a lot of attention to that!!

Chris.